Wilfrid Laurier

The Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid Laurier (November 20, 1841 - February 17, 1919) was the seventh Prime Minister of Canada from July 11, 1896 to October 7, 1911.

He was born in St-Lin, Canada East (what would later become Quebec).

He graduated with a B.C.L. from McGill University in 1864.

In 1868 Laurier wed Zoe Lafontaine (1841-1921).

One of Canada's great statesmen and the first francophone prime minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier believed passionately in Canada as an English-French partnership. "I have had before me as a pillar of fire," he said, "a policy of true Canadianism, of moderation, of reconciliation."

Always distinguished by his debonair charm and intellect, Laurier was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1874 and gradually built up his party's strength and his personal following in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. He led the Liberal Party to victory in 1896 and remained prime minister until 1911.

Laurier led Canada during a period of rapid growth, industrialization, and immigration. His long career straddles a period of major political and economic changes. As Prime Minister of Canada he was instrumental in ushering Canada into the 20th century and in gaining greater autonomy for his country vis-à-vis its international partners.

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier National Historic Site of Canada is located in Ville de Saint-Lin-Laurentides, a town 60 km north of Montreal.

While still leader of the opposition, Sir Wilfrid Laurier died on February 17, 1919 and was buried in Notre Dame Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier is depicted on the Canadian five-dollar bill.